Donald McKayle

UC Irvine Libraries

McKayle choreographed the 1964 Broadway musical production of Clifford Odets' "Golden Boy." The play, which starred Sammy Davis Jr., shown here in the role, earned the star a Tony nomination, but Davis complained to McKayle after one rehearsal about how little he was being paid -- $15,000 a week -- for so much work.

McKayle choreographed the 1964 Broadway musical production of Clifford Odets' "Golden Boy." The play, which starred Sammy Davis Jr., shown here in the role, earned the star a Tony nomination, but Davis complained to McKayle after one rehearsal about how little he was being paid -- $15,000 a week -- for so much work. (UC Irvine Libraries)

McKayle choreographed the 1964 Broadway musical production of Clifford Odets' "Golden Boy." The play, which starred Sammy Davis Jr., shown here in the role, earned the star a Tony nomination, but Davis complained to McKayle after one rehearsal about how little he was being paid -- $15,000 a week -- for so much work.